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HELP–History

| Posted in General Discussion on March 22, 1999 04:18am

*
I’m here in Coos Bay, OR with what’s left of the NEW CARISSA. I started framing in CA in 1950. Instead of building one house at a time, we were building 500 at a time. So a revolution in methods, materials, and tools happened. Anyone out there know anything about these times? I would like to hear your tales. Does anyone have photos? Thanks much, larry haun

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  1. Guest_ | Mar 18, 1999 04:03am | #1

    *
    You mean there is a Levittown in OR?

    1. Guest_ | Mar 18, 1999 04:40am | #2

      *Last I knew Larry they were still using the same methods that they did in 1950. Alot of which you have shared with the readers of FH. Unless you are starting a Museum dedicated to the preservation of the art of development housing in America, who cares? I know I certainly don't. It's time to move on--

      1. Guest_ | Mar 19, 1999 06:14am | #3

        *Larry,As you can see, there are some ill-mannered folks on this board.Just wanted to say that I have enjoyed your books, videos and the articles you author in FHB. I have learned quite a bit from them. Unfortunately, I have a hard time beating production framing principles into the heads of carpenters here on the east coast.Tom

  2. larry_haun | Mar 20, 1999 02:25am | #4

    *
    Thanks Tom,
    I want to do some writing on that revolutionary period that took place in carpentry. Most of the information I have from my own experience. Just trying to find others who might share their experiences with me. larry haun

  3. Guest_ | Mar 20, 1999 03:40am | #5

    *
    It would be a somewhat interesting topic to document. Was the revolution caused by increased demand, or a difference in tools?

    I know one thing, the old 508's were one humming machine, but I wouldn't want to lug that thing around!

    I apprenticed under the oldtimers, the guys who lived through those times. They were/are much different than today's crews. Today, the youngsters are sensitive.

    One story, as relayed by an oldtimer that used to work for me. He told me that he had just gotten out of high school and went looking for work, and landed a job as a grunt on a house crew.

    He had to hump lumber for a 5 journeyman crew that was building one house per day (28'x40' ranches). He said that the first day, his shoulder was bleeding already early in the morning, and he started to ask someone a question. The guy shouted back instantly; "Shut the @$%#!# Up! We'll tell you when to talk!"

    He said that at the end of the day, the boss told him that he had earned his job, come back tomorrow, and don't even think about ever being late!

    Try that with the "feel good" youth of today!

    Blue

  4. wildwill_ | Mar 20, 1999 05:54am | #6

    *
    Larry,
    i'ved enjoyed reading your articles,your books on my want list. Its good to hear from you!!
    I'm a little to young to know to much about the 50's (i'm a 58 model) . My grandpap and dad and 2 uncles were in business from the late 40's on through the 70's. I herd lots of stories. My grandpap had one of the first electric saws in our small town, he didn't like it so he traded it in a maul saw (worm drive blade on the right). i have some of my dad's old navy carpentry book, I'll post some quotes later.
    blue, whats a "508"?

  5. Guest_ | Mar 20, 1999 07:12am | #7

    *
    Larry

    I hope you're enjoying, or using, my money that I put down on your books and tapes wisely. I didn't think you were reading and participating in this on line chat but glad to see that you are out there just the same. My dad did some carpentry prior to and after the WWII... also in california. He was'nt into houses much but he put up a good portion of the forms for all the bridges here abouts. I've kept his five volume set of Audels carpentry books which are quite a history of the craft in their own right.

    1. Guest_ | Mar 20, 1999 07:27am | #8

      *Larry,Nice to meet you in cyberland....So how many homes do you think you framed in your lifetime?....Sounds like you paid your dues and mine over the years...Hope some of your era guys are internet enabled to help you out...Are you still driving nails?Jack

  6. wildwill_ | Mar 22, 1999 04:18am | #9

    *
    all this information came from "Fundamentals of Carpentry" by Walter E. Durbahn copyright 1947.
    hourly wages Chicago area 1947 bricklayers 2.20, carpenters 2.15, electricians 2.15, laborers 1.50, glaziers 2.25, lathers and plasterers 2.22 1/2.
    primary tools for a carpenter's apprentice rule,hammer(curved claw), hand ax or hatchet, crosscut saw 8-point, pinch bar, try square, roughing chisel, cold chisel, framing chisel, screw driver,framing square, level, jack plane. "Although in 1930 there were fifty-five women working at the trade in the United States, carpentry is distinctly a man's job." yes ladies we've come a long way. Chapters on modern carpentry tools, framing square, insulation, blue print reading, the typical american home. Pictures show workers dressed in bib's or coveralls.
    regards bill

  7. larry_haun | Mar 22, 1999 04:18am | #10

    *
    I'm here in Coos Bay, OR with what's left of the NEW CARISSA. I started framing in CA in 1950. Instead of building one house at a time, we were building 500 at a time. So a revolution in methods, materials, and tools happened. Anyone out there know anything about these times? I would like to hear your tales. Does anyone have photos? Thanks much, larry haun

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